James Patton Pelham

James Patton Pelham, Sr. Obituary

James Patton Pelham Sr. passed away peacefully Monday, November 2, 2026 in Johnson City, TN with the love of his family, Jesus Christ and his angels surrounding him.

Jim or Jim Pat, if you're from Pascagoula, was born in Pascagoula, MS on September 14, 1937, to Armand "Bud" Mann Pelham and Janelle Heidelberg Pelham; sibling Barbara "Susie" Ann Stewart. As a graduate from Pascagoula High School and Mississippi State, Jim had a successful Civil Engineering career that would take him all over the world. Jim married his high school sweetheart Dorothy "Dot" Marie Nelson and they celebrated their 65th anniversary on July 5, 2024.

After their marriage, the couple moved to San Luis Obispo, CA where Jim worked for the California State Highway Department, but returned back to Pascagoula after a couple of years and worked for the City of Pascagoula Engineering Department. But, in Jim's heart was an explorer much like his French settler ancestors before him. He always wanted to see what was just around the next bend of the river or marsh bayou. That adventurous spirit took Jim's work and his family to David, Panama to build a sugar cane processing plant and Argentina to build a paper mill. He later worked with BCM Engineers out of Mobile, AL on numerous waste water treatment facilities in Louisiana and Mississippi as well as the Lead Project Manager of the Ciba Geigy Superfund Site clean up in Macintosh, AL.

Jim grew up duck hunting, fishing, shrimping and crabbing during the pristine days on the Pascagoula River. Many days were spent with his family on his grandfather James "Pappy" Andrew Pelham's cypress house boat, which he built by hand. Jim and Dot enjoyed living in many places along the Gulf Coast. They enjoyed boating and fishing in the marsh plus many trips to Round, Horn and Petit Bois Islands for weekends with their children. However, they spent the last thirty plus years living in Spanish Fort, AL. Jim was known for his quiet nature, words of wisdom and impeccable wing shooting. After Jim's retirement they bought a Casita camper and traveled the country coast to coast.

He will be missed by his two children, daughter Sherri Lynne Pelham Clemens and her husband Gregory Clemens and son James "Jaime" Patton Pelham, Jr. and his wife Jenny Root Pelham. Jim has three grandchildren he loved very much; Mamie Marguerite Clemens Bailey and husband Chris, Jules Lee Gaston Clemens and wife Allison and Genevieve Marie Clemens. Jim has one great-grandchild, Alexander Patrick Clemens, as well as numerous extended family members.

Jim is predeceased by his wife Dot and parents Bud and Janelle.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 1 p.m. on November 9th, 2026 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Johnson City, TN. Burial and celebration of life following the service at the home of Greg and Sherri Clemens.

In lieu of flowers please send memorial donations to one of Jim's favorite charities: St. Jude Children's Hospital, Delta Waterfowl and the La Pointe-Krebs Museum.

Memories and condolences may be shared via www.morrisbaker.com

Morris-Baker Funeral Home, 2001 E Oakland Ave, Johnson City, is honored to serve the Tittle family. (423) 282-1521